It’s hard to imagine Arsenal being in the title race in February and then adding an extra fixture against a national football team to their schedule. It wouldn’t happen these days but in 1989 George Graham’s team took a break from their pursuit of the championship to do Michel Platini a favour.
The France manager needed all the help he could get after a stuttering start to their qualifying campaign for the 1990 World Cup. France beat Norway 1-0 in their first qualifier thanks to an 84th-minute penalty from Jean-Pierre Papin but only could only draw in Cyprus before losing to Yugoslavia. With a difficult trip to Scotland on the horizon, Platini came up with the plan of playing a British club side to prepare his men for the challenge ahead.
Platini had a choice of playing Tottenham or Arsenal and went for Graham’s league leaders. “Spurs’ style is too similar to Continental sides,” he said. “But Arsenal are very British and will be no less difficult to play than Scotland.” Platini’s assistant, Gérard Houllier, had also been impressed by Arsenal in their recent 2-1 win at Millwall.
Arsenal were out of both domestic cup competitions and had no European club commitments due to the Heysel ban, so Graham was happy to squeeze another fixture into the diary. “It has been a great disappointment for the players, coaches and managers not be able to play in Europe,” he said. “This match will be good for Arsenal and England. All our players will benefit from playing against such a good national team.”
The club’s vice-chairman, David Dein, was also enthusiastic about the match. “This game is a tremendous honour for us and we are treating it very seriously,” he said. “It is a platform for a speedy return to European football and a chance to judge how our side has matured against foreign opposition.” It was also a chance to make some money, although for some reason Dein didn’t happen to mention this when asked about the friendly.
The match took place on Tuesday 14 February 1989 – the ideal Valentine’s Day date for the partner in your life – although even season ticket holders had to pay for the privilege of watching Joël Bats, Franck Sauzée, Laurent Blanc and Papin (but not Eric Cantona, who was banned from international football). The 21,785 fans present were deprived of seeing Jean Tigana, Patrick Battiston and Manuel Amoros when Bordeaux and Monaco refused to release their players.
Arsenal fans did not take the game all that seriously but it was big enough deal to be screened live on French TV. Graham was definitely up for it, picking the same starting XI that had beaten Millwall a few days earlier. “Tonight’s game will provide valuable experience for many of our team, who meet European opposition very rarely because of the Euro ban on English clubs,” wrote Graham in his programme notes.
The first half was uneventful but two second-half substitutes left Platini with a couple of things to think about. Martin Hayes replaced Brian Marwood and gave Arsenal the lead on the hour with a fine strike from just inside the area. And Perry Groves came on for David Rocastle, sped down Arsenal’s right and crossed for Alan Smith to double Arsenal’s lead in the 74th minute.
“Our goals from Martin Hayes and Alan Smith were both crackers,” said Graham. “I was delighted with my substitutions too. Martin scored with his second touch and Perry Groves’ first contribution set up Alan’s goal. It’s not often substitutions produce such speedy results.”
There was one negative for Graham, though. David O’Leary was forced to leave the field with a facial injury, although Steve Bould came on and slotted in seamlessly next to Tony Adams, meaning Arsenal were now fielding 11 Englishmen. “Robson, pick ’em all, Robson, Robson, pick ’em all,” sang the North Bank, in jest. The England manager may have been tempted after this display. “Arsenal could easily have won by three or four,” admitted France midfielder Marcel Dib after the 2-0 defeat. “On this form, Arsenal look a better team than England.”
It was difficult to judge the result in light of France’s absentees but Scotland manager Andy Roxburgh had seen enough to encourage him before the forthcoming qualifier at Hampden Park. “Arsenal pressured them and they didn’t like it,” said Roxburgh. I doubt whether they will relish it too at Hampden should they find themselves in a battle.” Roxburgh also expressed disappointment that Arsenal had agreed to help France, but Graham responded to his complaints. “I’m sure Andy Roxburgh will have been pleased to have seen how many chances we created.”
“I did not expect to win so I am not that disappointed,” said Platini. “It will be different in Glasgow when I have all my players available.” Oh dear. A little under a month later, two goals form Mo Johnston gave Scotland a 2-0 win at Hampden. It would prove to be a decisive win, helping Scotland to finish above France in the group and qualify for Italia 90.
In the immediate aftermath, the friendly did not seem to have helped Arsenal’s season either. They won just two of their next eight games, allowing Liverpool to come back into the title race. But, as we all know, this little blip in the story only helped to set up the greatest ending ever.
The Guardian Sport
